The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Natural and Historical Resources Division (NHRD) is seeking a Historic Interpretation and Community Engagement Officer to focus on the county-wide interpretation of its historic sites with a special focus on inclusivity and supervision of the Department's new Mobile Museum, which will travel throughout Prince George's County to engage, educate and inspire tens of thousands of students and people of all ages. In addition, the position will manage three significant historic facilities: Thrift Schoolhouse, Seabrook Schoolhouse and the Nottingham School. Under direction, will serve as the Division's Community Engagement Officer providing guidance and expertise to all Division facilities on new ways to engage the public through technology and interactivity.
This newly created position will work with internal stakeholders to review visitor experiences and recommend new, emerging strategies based on best practices and national trends for providing a visitor experience that results in active advocates for historic and natural resource preservation and appreciation.
Example of Important Duties:
1. Oversees the operation and strategic outreach for the mobile museum. Develops and maintains the outreach strategy of the mobile museum. Evaluates periodically the impact of the mobile museum and seeks to make changes through an iterative process to best serve our communities.
2. Manages division-wide public programs by co-curating public programs like (i.e. Legends & Legacy, a program series centered on timeless themes, from equality to the economy and politics to policing) with the guidance of the Assistant Division Chief, Historical Resources. Hires contractors and vendors. Designs advertising to promote programs. Prepares oral presentations on various areas of history.
3. Provides guidance and expertise to all Division facilities on new ways to engage the public through technology and interactivity. This newly created position will work with internal stakeholders to review visitor experiences and recommend new, emerging strategies based on best practices and national trends for providing a visitor experience that results in active advocates for historic and natural resource preservation and appreciation.
4. Manages operations of Thrift Schoolhouse, Seabrook Schoolhouse and the Nottingham School. Defines operational goals and objectives. Establishes operating procedures. Ensures safety and security of building and patrons. Reports and assists in the investigation of accidents, fires, and crimes. Monitors building utility systems to ensure proper operation. Supervises staff in routine maintenance and repair of facility. Arranges for major maintenance and repairs. Gives first aid and determines need for police or fire personnel in emergencies. Provides technical assistance in planning new construction, remodeling, and expansion of facility. Responds to questions or complaints from patrons. Evaluates operational policies and initiates changes for improvement.
5. Manages and coordinates operating budget for facility/program. Prepares annual budget requests, and controls expenditures in accordance with approved budget. Monitors significant and complex programs and activities. Oversees preparation and submission of records and reports. Prepares annual budget requests and supporting documentation. Obtains bids and price quotes. Writes purchase orders and check requests. Prepares administrative reports. Solicits bids and price quotes from vendors and contractors. Selects best offer and initiates purchase requisitions and check requests.
6. Works with Assistant Division Chief to establish advisory councils that represent the communities that we serve to increase the division's capacity to think strategically around programs, exhibitions and other new initiatives. Meets with citizens, historical groups, community groups, schools, Planning Board, County Council, staff and other government agencies to identify needs, plan programs and answer questions about history programs and historic facilities and sites, as well as general county history.
7. Collects data relevant to specialty area. Maintains listing of local historical resource contacts. Provides technical assistance to historical researchers and historical organizations, as well as facility staff.
8. Keeps administrative and financial records. Maintains records of revenue and expenditures, time cards, inventory, accidents. Writes and approves administrative reports.
9. Conducts research. Reviews technical literature, conducts survey, exchanges information with other government agencies, and attends professional conferences to identify new programs, methods, and equipment which might be useful for museum facilities.
10. Implements professional museum standards and procedures at sites, guides historic facilities toward accreditation where applicable, and oversees implementation plans regarding loans and donations, appraisals, insurance, theft cataloging and conservation of collections. Obtains grants for programs. Prepares grant proposals to federal, state and private agencies. Presents proposals to Planning Board. Coordinates grant projects.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Bachelor's degree in history, American studies, museum studies, archaeology, education, historic preservation, or a related field; and
2. Five years of progressively responsible experience, including two years as a program coordinator or supervisor; or
3. Master's degree in one of the above fields; and three years of related experience; or
4. An equivalent combination of education and experience.
5. A valid driver's license, or the ability to acquire one.
Supplemental Information
Important Worker Characteristics: Comprehensive knowledge of: (1) American history; (2) museum studies; (3) collections management; (4) library science & archives; (5) historic preservation/restoration; (6) Commission organization, policies and procedures*; (7) supervision; (8) grants administration; (9) principles of management. Skill in operation of: (1) motor vehicle; (2) personal computer and applicable software; and (3) general office, audio/visual and photographic equipment. Ability to: (1) serve as a technical expert in areas of history, community engagement, inclusive interpretation or the museum field; (2) coordinate multiple sites and staff; (3) develop goals and objectives for programs; (4) solve complex problems involving many variables; (5) coordinate the gathering and organization of complex research data; (6) oversee development of technical reports, brochures, and related materials; (7) write and implement grants and grant projects; (8) develop and present formal presentations to large groups; (9) oversee security of artifacts and collections at historic facilities; (10) read and interpret construction drawings and specifications; and (11) negotiate complex contractual services.